Andy Walker believes Scottish sides are no match for Celtic, but the Sky Sports pundit foresees a close encounter when Aberdeen visit Glasgow on Saturday. The former Scotland international feels both sides have failed to hit top form consistently this season, suggesting Celtic manager Ronny Deila has yet to figure out his preferred starting XI following a number of late arrivals this summer. “Ronny will be still trying to put his stamp on the team,” Walker told Sky Sports News HQ. “It’s a big surprise to a lot of Celtic supporters that he doesn’t seem to fancy Kris Commons who was Celtic’s talisman last season, scoring the best part of 30 goals, a lot of which were important. Former Celtic striker Andy Walker previews the weekends Scottish football action, with Celtic facing Aberdeen and Rangers travelling to Raith Rovers “Celtic have signed some good wide players in the transfer window including Wakaso Mubarak, Stefan Scepovic and John Guidetti who’s a striker. I would imagine Deila would play maybe two of them against Aberdeen. “Celtic demolished Dundee United 6-1 so I think Aberdeen will realise that Celtic are capable of that again. If Celtic can play to anything like their potential then there is no match for them in Scotland. “Despite Aberdeen not really finding their best form just yet, Saturday’s game will be a good contest between the two sides.” Positives This Saturday’s clash comes hot on the heels of Scotlands 2-1 defeat to Germany in the European qualifers, but Walker is convinced national coach Gordon Strachan can take some positives from the match, despite the result. “It’s never good to lose but I think we were boosted by the level of performance. When you see the way we were travelling in the second half it seemed that we were going to get at least a point, Walker said. It’s never good to lose but I think we were boosted by the level of performance. When you see the way we were travelling in the second half it seemed that we were going to get at least a point. Andy Walker “There were a lot of positives to take from the way we played. Defensively we were a bit soft and gave away some cheap goals but I think the way we played on the counter-attack and the way we were passing improved in the second half. “In Ikechi Anya we have found someone with a real bit of pace and a goal threat. It was just a pity that Steven Naismith, who is actually our best player at the moment, just passed up a couple of good opportunities, otherwise it could have an historical night for us. v Live SPFL Football Celtic vs Aberdeen September 13, 2014, 12:30pm Sky Sports 3 HD Remote Record Get a Sky Sports Pass Upgrade to Sky Sports “It’s a missed opportunity in the end but it could give us a bit of heart for the rest of the group games.” Turning his attention to the Scottish Championship, Walker believes both Rangers and Hibernian will have differing, yet equally challenging, obstacles to navigate as play resumes following the international break. “Every game is tough for Rangers at the moment,” he added. “I think when you notice everything going on behind the scenes at the club, and the uncertainty, I think the supporters would love to just concentrate on the football side of things. “Hibs have to show that they have the players capable of handling the pressure, because every game now in the championship is a big one for the opposition. They always want to perform at places like Easter Road and Hibs have to realise that the challenge is going to be there in front of them every week. “Hibs have to show they can get up to the top of the table and, at the very least, have to get a play-off spot by the end of the season.” Watch Celtic v Aberdeen live on Sky Sports 3 HD. Coverage starts on Saturday at 12.30pm.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 20:49:10 +0000